What is the Lift of Helium and Hot Air?
As a rule of thumb, 1 cubic meter of hydrogen lifts 1.1 kilogram, 1 m3 of helium lifts 1 kg and 1 m3 of hot air lifts 300 grams. (In Anglo-American measures: 1000 cu. ft. of hot air lift a maximum of 20 lbs. and 1000 cu ft. of helium lift about 60 lb.) These figures are on the safe side and allow for variations in altitude, temperature, humidity and also purity of the helium. Since the USA holds most of the natural Helium reserves worldwide it is readily available in local welding supply stores there. Outside of North America the situation varies. Usually it is specialized chemical companies that carry helium in their program.
